The United States is facing widespread travel disruptions as more than 14,000 flights were cancelled over the weekend, CNN reported.
The cancellations come amid a severe winter storm sweeping across the eastern two-thirds of the country.
According to CNN, 43% of American Airlines’ scheduled flights were grounded, while 35% of Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta-based operations were also halted.
Saturday alone saw over 4,000 cancellations, mostly in Dallas and Charlotte, while Sunday already has more than 1,600 flights cancelled, with the bulk of disruptions in New York and Boston.
In response to the storm, US President, Donald Trump issued emergency declarations for Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, and West Virginia.
“Authorities are working closely with FEMA, Governors, and State Emergency Management teams to ensure the safety of everyone,” he said.
The National Weather Service warned that sub-zero temperatures would sweep from the northern and central plains into the northeast through Sunday.
“Extremely cold temperatures would expand across the eastern two-thirds of the US, with very cold weather continuing through the next week,” the NWS said, advising citizens to prepare for the “life-threatening cold,” as wind chills and prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia and frostbite.
On X, the NWS noted that the winter storm would move into the Mid-Atlantic states tonight and reach the Northeast late Sunday. Heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain are expected to significantly impact much of the eastern half of the country.
Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem urged residents to take precautions and avoid traveling on the roads as the storm intensifies.
Spanning over 1,300 miles, the storm is expected to affect more than 2,000 miles from Texas to New England through Sunday, CNN reported.
Ice accumulation is already causing power outages in the South, with some areas experiencing thunder and lightning amid heavy freezing rain and sleet.
More than half of Americans will feel subzero wind chills, leaving those without electricity vulnerable to prolonged cold. Winter storm warnings have been issued, and emergency declarations now cover over 17 states, CNN added.
